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->''"Everybody who is anybody in this business strives to be legendary, and we ''are'' legendary."''-->-- '''Malia Hosaka''', summing up her newly expanded PowerStable.

Some people become famous. They're well known, even if not very much is known about them. The Living Legend [[FamedInStory attained fame]] during his life (as opposed to posthumously).

Some famous people are famous for specific things. Some are infamous. Regardless, they actually did, can do, or were present at specific events. The Living Legend is famous because of where he's been, who he's been, who he's been with, and/or what he can do.

The Living Legend is respected for these things. Wherever he goes, people recognize him and buy him drinks. They ask him if he really did all those things. They want to know what it was like being where he was. They ask him to demonstrate his prowess.

This is a person whose reputation makes him larger than life even in his own time. The Living Legend can run the gamut from hero to villain, truth to lie, professional to amateur. The point isn't whether his reputation is deserved, but that he has it.

For those who remember the legend before he was and still don't see him as one, see NoHeroToHisValet. If he deliberately plays up a false reputation, he's MilesGloriosus. If someone else is doing this for him, he's the FakeUltimateHero.

If his reputation is based on having just been in the right place at the right time, he's the AccidentalHero. If he's a random guy thrown into it, he might be an ActionSurvivor.

Sometimes the Living Legend's reputation is non-specific and he's ShroudedInMyth. Sometimes it's very specific and everyone calls him [[NeverLiveItDown "The Butcher of X"]].

When a character's deeds are remembered in subsequent works, he's LegendaryInTheSequel.

When he shows up to ruin a protagonist's day, TheAce will often be hailed as a Living Legend by his legion of squeeing fans.

----!!Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime]]* In ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' Jack Raken is a living legend able to destroy pocket dimensions by flexing as well as willing himself back into existence* ''Manga/OnePiece'':** There are several powerful pirates who fit in this category, most notably Silvers Rayleigh, the Number Two of Gold Roger himself.** The Marines have Garp and arguably Sengoku. It says something that Garp revealing that he's actually going to take part in a battle is one of the few things that actually made [[BadassArmy the Whitebeard Pirates]] hesitate. It's especially telling when their own captain, Whitebeard himself, also fits the bill, having been considered the only man to equal Gold Roger in sheer fight prowess and the current WorldsStrongestMan.** The Straw Hats as a group have reached this status by the time they enter the New World, with other pirates being fearful and awestruck by them.* Ricardo Martinez in ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'' is the Mexican long-time featherweight world champion who never lost. He's actually ''called'' "The only living super-legend" and it's said that there's a higher chance that Mexican citizens know him than their own president.* This happens across the generations in ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'':** Konoha had the Sannin, the Yellow Flash, the White Fang, the First Hokage etc., all definitely living legends when they were in their prime. ** Kakashi the Copy Ninja is known all over the world, even to people like the Raikage. His contemporary Asuma had a bounty of 35 million ryō on the black market.** By the time of the Fourth Shinobi War, Naruto himself is not only a legend in Konoha but is even known to shinobi from other villages. [[spoiler:It becomes even more prevalent ''after'' the war, where his status as the hero of the war goes on to encompass the entire continent -- ''everyone'' knows who he is]].* Kishou Arima from ''Manga/TokyoGhoul''. A [[TheHunter Ghoul Investigator]] feared and adored for his legendary prowess in battle, established when he defeated [[HeroKiller The Owl]] while still a teenager. His reputation has earned him titles such as "CCG's Grim Reaper" and "The Undefeated Ghoul Investigator", with the mere mention of his presence on a battle field sufficient to rally the troops and [[TheDreaded terrify]] Ghouls into fleeing. When he finally shows up in person, it quickly becomes clear his reputation is entirely deserved when he [[spoiler: brutally defeats [[TheHero Kaneki]] and leaves him on the verge of death]]. Other Investigators seem to either worship him (younger generation) or [[TallPoppySyndrome hate him]] for making them all look bad in comparison (older generation). * Gin from ''Anime/GingaDensetsuWeed'' as the [[AnyOneCanDie surviving]] [[Anime/GingaNagareboshiGin previous main character]], the dog grew up into killing the nigh invincible killer bear Akakabuto, saving human villages from being terrorized by it and providing fellow wild dogs a peaceful homeland. Weed himself grows into one by the ending.* ''Anime/DragonBallZ'':** Mr. Satan is a FakeUltimateHero version. To the people of Earth, he is their greatest hero and champion. He fought and defeated Cell and the demon Majin Buu. None of this is, of course, true. He shamelessly took credit for beating Cell after Gohan beat him. He did help with Buu, although it was Goku who gave the killing blow. He's so renowned, he gets military support with a phone call, have a city renamed after him, and the first person called when things go wrong.** Goku zig-zags this. On Earth, he is well known within the martial arts community. He is a champion of the World Martial Arts Tournament and two-time runner-up in legendary matches. Among some, he is known as the person who killed King Piccolo. However, Goku isn't well known by the general population thanks to him wanting no credit for his work and Mr. Satan stealing any he may gained. In the universe at large, he's much more well known. He's known as the Super Saiyan and is [[TheDreaded feared for defeating Frieza and Majin Buu]]. [[TopGod Even the Supreme Kai knew who he is]].** Master Roshi. When he was introduced, he was revered as the God of Martial Arts and [[WorldsStrongestMan The Strongest Man In The World]].** Roshi's rival, the Crane Hermit, is also well known within the martial's community. He is seen as Master Roshi's equal.* Kenshin from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''. He's a legendary swordsman who is considered the best in all of Japan. He is ShroudedInMyth and no one knows what he really looks like outside his 'X' scar on his cheek and flaming red hair.* Victor Nikiforov from ''Anime/YuriOnIce'' is a world-famous figure skater who can pull off routines that are BeyondTheImpossible, such as his championship routine having four quads (most skaters would include one or two quads at most in their routines). Yuri Katsuki even uses this exact phrase to describe him.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comics]]* It would be quicker and easier to list superheroes who are ''aversions'' of this trope. So many are famous in their respective universes that it's almost superfluous to list them. A special mention should be made, however, for characters such as Franchise/{{Superman}}, ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, Franchise/{{Batman}}, and the ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica, who are famous even amongst the other heroes.** The DC maxi-series ''ComicBook/{{Trinity}}'' showed people breathe a sigh of relief when they're in trouble and the Justice League shows up. The Justice League cheers when they're in trouble and Superman, Batman, and WonderWoman show up.** It has been implied by time-traveler characters such as Cable that Franchise/{{SpiderMan}} will become one of these.* V, from ''ComicBook/VForVendetta'', deliberately invokes this in order to bring down the Norsefire government.* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'' deconstructs this and explores both the positive and negative effects of Living Legends, particularly the dehumanizing and demoralizing presence of Doctor Manhattan.* ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke'', the man who shoots faster than his own shadow, not only is this himself but also meets nearly all real life legends from the TheWildWest across the series: Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Roy Bean, Wyatt Earp and his brothers, ComicBook/MarkTwain, Jesse James and his gang, Billy the Kid... the list is simply endless.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]* The super heroes of ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'' are all well known. This bites them when they start getting sued by an angry populace and they're all forced into hiding.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]* ''Film/CrouchingTigerHiddenDragon'': Li Mu Bai is famous throughout China for his prowess with the Green Destiny.* ''Film/DownWithLove'': Catcher Block - Ladies Man, Man's Man, Man About Town, is a SexGod.* ''Film/ElCid'': Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar becomes this when he forces his '''king''' to publicly swear his lack of involvement in the assassination of his brother. And his story just gets even more heroic and legendary from there.* ''Film/{{Hancock}}'' is very well known as a less than popular hero.* Pai Mei, in ''Film/KillBill'', is presented, by Bill, as a figure ShroudedInMyth and incredibly proud and deadly.* ''Film/ThePrincessBride'': The Dread Pirate Roberts is a mysterious and terrifying pirate who has long terrorized ... some maritime province.* The title character of ''Film/YouDontMessWithTheZohan'', at least in Israel and Palestine.* The eponymous hero of Creator/RobertZemeckis' ''WesternAnimation/{{Beowulf|2007}}'' turns into this in the latter half of the movie. At the same time he has aspects of NoHeroToHisValet. And a small touch of MilesGloriosus, as he likes to exaggerate his prowess.%%* "[[Film/IronMan1 I am Iron Man.]]"* By the end of ''Film/ArmyOfDarkness'', Ash (housewares) has achieved legendary status, so he claims, among the people of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercia Mercia.]] They wanted to make him king. In his own way, he is king.* ''Film/ElMariachi''. "We call him 'El'. It means 'The'."* Keyzer Soze of ''Film/TheUsualSuspects'' is a mysterious devil figure to the criminal underworld.* Film/DieHard gives us John [=McClane=]. In the second film (Die Harder), he's recognized by a rogue special ops officer for his interview on ''Nightline''. In the third, a fed makes an immediate connection between the Villain Du Jour and "the thing in LA". In the fourth... he's John [=McClane=], the Irish flatfoot who throws cars at helicopters when he runs out of bullets.* "People are always asking me if I know [[Film/FightClub Tyler Durden]]"* In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', ComicBook/CaptainAmerica[=/=]Steve Rogers was already well-known in in the 1940s. But after being presumed dead, he wake up almost seventy years later as a living legend, literally. ComicBook/IronMan[=/=]Tony Stark later remarks to Loki that Captain America is "a living legend who actually lives up to the legend".* In ''Film/TheMartian'', this becomes [[spoiler: Mark]]'s status with students acknowledging them as such and saying it was an honor to meet them.* ''Film/XMenApocalypse'': Mystique is greatly admired for saving President Nixon from Magneto in 1973, but she resents her fame, and she chooses to disguise herself in her blond Raven form so that people won't recognize her blue, scaly self.-->'''Raven Darkholme''': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14JojQfFg5E I told you I'm not a hero.]]\\'''Jean Grey''': You're a hero to us. Seeing you that day on TV changed my life.\\'''Kurt Wagner''': Mine too.\\'''Peter Maximoff''': Mine too. [[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]* ''Literature/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'': ** Galactic President Zaphod Beeblebrox is quite well known. Not necessarily for good things. He ''is'' [[TakeThat a politician]], after all.** The Guide notes that towels (in addition to several legitimate uses) let you cultivate this image: if you can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy and still know where your towel is, then ''obviously'' you're a badass, and others will think nothing of loaning you some other minor item that you [[BlatantLies happened to recently misplace]].* Kit Carson, of Robert Asprin's ''Literature/TimeScout'' series. He was one of the very first men to take up the incredibly dangerous profession of stepping through a time portal to find out what's on the other side.* The leaders of various factions in Creator/CJCherryh's ''Literature/AllianceUnion'' universe are generally presented as famous, larger than life, and incredibly competent.* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Harry Dresden, who is considered to be TheDreaded by his enemies, has done everything from killing a faerie queen (beings that are beyond any mortal wizard in power) to [[RaisingtheSteaks raising a T-Rex]]. This is all before he is 40, and he is considered one of the top 20 most powerful wizards on the planet, and probably the top 3 of most dangerous. Bear in mind Dresdenverse wizards don't really come into their full power until they're 100 years old at least.* Hunter of Creator/NeilGaiman's ''Literature/{{Neverwhere}}''. She's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin hunted down]] and killed incredibly deadly, legendary animals all over the world.* Richard Cypher, of the ''Literature/SwordOfTruth'' series is a LivingLegend first among the people of D'Hara, then the midlands and Westlands, then the old world.* ''Literature/RealmOfTheElderlings'':** [=FitzChivalry=] Farseer goes through several flavors of LivingLegend. First he becomes famous as a warrior defending the shores of the kingdom from the Outisland raiders. Then he becomes infamous as a Wit-user and traitor. Then he becomes a symbol of the wit movement. Finally he becomes TheManBehindTheMan, true ruler of the realm, mostly from the shadows. While on his last harrowing mission for the throne, he learns that not all despise him for his Wit, his apparent treachery, and his death by torture.---> '''Fitz:''' I think they are all men who know how to hold their tongue. And will do so, at Prince Dutiful's request.---> '''Longwick:''' Some might do so merely at Lord [=FitzChivalry's=] request.---> '''Fitz:''' Lord [=FitzChivalry=] would greatly appreciate that.---> '''Longwick:''' Very well. But I think it's a shame. You deserve better. What of glory? What of men knowing what you have done and who you are, and giving you the acclaim you deserve for your success? Don't you want to be remembered for what you've done?---> '''Fitz:''' I'd rather be forgotten for the things people think I've done. And I'd give it all if I could forget the things I failed to do.** In a similar fashion, Kennet, would-be King of the Pirate Isles, is well known among the isles as a particularly capable and professional pirate. Then he gains more and more fame and love for targeting slavers.*** His reputation passes to his woman, erstwhile whore Etta and later Queen of the Pirate Isles, and his ward, Wintrow, their philosopher King.** Also, Malta and Reyn as the first of the new Elderlings.** Swift Witted and his father, Burrich, become famous through the Outislands in an almost incidental fashion as Demon-Slayers. Between them, through Burrich's mastery of the Wit-magic and Swift's use of a magic arrow, they slay the stone dragon form of Kebal Rawbread and freed thousands of Outislanders from mystical torment, and a song is fashioned for their feat before they even leave the ice island Aslevjal.* Several characters in the ''[[Literature/TheWheelOfTime Wheel of Time]]'' series. Rand, Perrin, and Mat are most easily justified, what with being [[WindsOfDestinyChange ta'veren]].** Cadsuane is a more literal example, being a female mage of such age and prestige that most people think of her in the past sense, as a fabled example of Aes Sedai superiority, until she comes out of retirement and takes a part in the events of the books.* Quite a few from the various ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'' books.** Raistlin almost became a god.** Huma was famed for his exploits and piety even before his HeroicSacrifice, though he became ShroudedInMyth eons later.** Most of the main characters from the original Chronicles trilogy are referred to as "The Heroes of the Lance" in the later books and everyone seems to know their stories.** Laurana became famous on both sides as the [[RedBaron Golden General]] due to her miraculous rout of the evil army at the High Clerist's Tower and the repeated victories she won against numerically superior enemy armies during the Vingaard Campaign.* Sparrowhawk from ''Literature/AWizardOfEarthsea''.* ''Literature/AubreyMaturin:'' Both Captain Jack Aubrey and Doctor Stephen Maturin become famous, though for very different things. Jack is famous throughout the navy as Lucky Jack for his martial exploits and later gains some renown for his work in mathematics and astronomy. Stephen is a very admired physician and biologist before he becomes a MagnificentBastard in the intelligence community.* The ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'', running as it does on the TheoryOfNarrativeCausality, has a number of these.** Granny Weatherwax, whose name among the trolls is Aaoograha hoa ("She Who Must Be Avoided") and among the dwarfs is K'ez'rek d'b'duz ("Go Around the Other Side of the Mountain"). She has taught respect to vampires and elves as well.** His Grace, His Excellency, The Duke of Ankh, Commander Sir Samuel Vimes is known throughout his city as [[IncorruptiblePurePureness scrupulously honest]] and a man who, when upset, tends to spread his discontent around with a '''big''' shovel. The criminal element actively tries not to piss him off. So well known for inventing the first capable and honest police force of the city of Ankh-Morpork that cops throughout the plains are known as Sammies.** Similarly, Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson, the rightful heir to the throne of Ankh-Morpork (who just happens to like being a guard). His charisma is so strong it warps reality. Also, he has a punch that trolls respect.** Rincewind (a Wizzard) is famous among some communities for his ability to run away from ''anything''. And scream in 27 languages. He's also saved the Disc multiple times when running was no longer an option. At one point, when two head wizards almost go nuclear, another realizes that the last time that happened, the Disc was almost destroyed and Rincewind stopped it with a half-brick in a sock. He looks around and sees Rincewind putting his sock back on.** [[LittleMissBadass Tiffany Aching]] is rapidly building herself a fearsome reputation.** Sergeant Jackrum of the Borogravian army has fought in every single war for forty years. The Sergeant knows everyone. Everyone knows the Sergeant. The Sergeant's reputation is such that generals will leave at the Sergeant's request.** OlderThanTheyThink, [[PunnyName Cohen]] [[BadassGrandpa the Barbarian]] to [[GrammarNazi whom]] [[LovableCoward Rincewind]] says "My grandfather used to tell me stories about you when I sat on his kne... Oh."* Literature/HarryPotter, who had a nickname, the Boy Who Lived, by the time he was ''one''. Also, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who was gaining a reputation in his youth, even before things like his defeat of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald. In a very negative way, Tom Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort, has such a fearsome reputation that no one will even say his name.** Also, Gilderoy Lockhart. At least in fame, as [[FakeUltimateHero his skills aren't exactly good]]...* ''Literature/SnowCrash'': Raven -- He's a one man nation with a nuclear bomb keyed to his heartbeat and an AbsurdlySharpBlade.* ''MemorySorrowAndThorn:'' Seoman Snowlock begins life as an orphan, adopted into the life of a scullion known only for mischief and day-dreamery. Then he... let's just say that fighting a dragon with an incredibly magic sword is among the ''least'' of what he becomes known for. When he learns that he's the descendant of, simultaneously, a king and a saint and thus one of the strongest candidates for the throne in the world (there's a princess available, but her father was kind of a douche), someone says that even if that ''weren't'' true, he'd be tempted to make it up. Not only would it be believed, but Seoman's incredibly beloved.* ''Literature/TailchasersSong:'' Fritti Tailchaser helped fight off Cat Satan. He's as much a hero as cats can have. Grizraz (Cat Satan) and Lord Firefoot (CrystalDragonJesus) are immortal and feared/beloved, and ShroudedInMyth.* There's no evidence that ''Franchise/StarWars'' hero Luke Skywalker is anything but a war hero in the movies, but in the [[Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse Expanded Universe]] his reputation is a bit more than that. In Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy, he's recognizable such that, when a random fight's about to break out in a bar, everyone looks to him, even the two about to fight, to settle it, based on nothing more than his reputation as a Jedi Knight. He steps up, everyone accepts his judgment, the day is saved.** Similarly, to be made a Grand Admiral of the Empire requires that you be above and beyond normal military talents. When people find themselves pitted against a Grand Admiral, the result is usually despair. And then there was that brief time you could learn you were coming up against Grand Admiral Thrawn and know exactly what that meant...* Literature/CiaphasCain, Hero of the Imperium! Much to his regret.* Skeeve of ''Literature/MythAdventures'' is an OnlyOneName thief who ran away from his father's farm, only to become a widely renowned magician, somewhat feared across the dimensions.* Duke Alaric Morgan in the ''Literature/{{Deryni}}'' works. He helped King Brion Haldane defeat a Festillic Pretender at age 14, and rose to become Lord General of Gwynedd's armies. Although {{prequel}}s are either published or in process, he was introduced as a LivingLegend when he first appeared in Deryni Rising in 1970. Indeed, he is depicted as [[ShroudedInMyth cultivating a reputation]] for dangerous power as a means of intimidating potential foes and thereby protecting himself.* Kvothe from ''Literature/TheKingkillerChronicles'' books. This is partly because he's genuinely special (a natural magician with eidetic recall and a talent for Naming), partly because his quest puts him in situations that just happen to be legend-building status, and partly as a reputation he's deliberately cultivated.** Also the yet-to-be-seen Oren Velciter from the same books.* ''Literature/HereticsOfDune''. Miles Teg had such an reputation as a military leader for the Bene Gesserit that he was once able to ToWinWithoutFighting.-->Teg's reputation was an almost universal thing throughout human society of this age. At the Battle of Markon, it had been enough for the enemy to know that Teg was there opposite them in person. They sued for terms.* Works from and about the ''RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms'' period of Chinese history like to portray particularly skillful generals this way. One was trapped in a town with inadequate forces. Rather than run away he sat at the gates playing chess with his forces clearly standing down. The enemy saw him and, knowing his reputation for absolute guile, decided he was planning something and [[ToWinWithoutFighting ran away instead]].* [[Literature/AtlasShrugged Who is John Galt?]]* When Marasi from ''Literature/TheAlloyOfLaw'' meets Wax (and to a lesser extent, Wayne), she is almost starstruck, telling him that he's a legend [[MundaneMadeAwesome at least in criminology circles, anyway.]]* In MichaelFlynn's ''[[Literature/SpiralArm Up Jim River]]'', when Zorba, the greatest of the Hounds, appears, the harper is not afraid of her HonoraryUncle, but the Fudir is of his legendary status.* Axis [=SunSoar=] from Literature/TheWayfarerRedemption as the legendary [=StarMan=] who recreated Tencendor and saved it from Gorgeal the Destroyer. He then dies and is resurrected in Literature/TheDarkglassMountainTrilogy and is this in spades, no matter which part of the world he's in.* Inda of the ''{{Literature/Inda}}'' series attains this status for his prowess in fighting pirates and later his success in fighting the Venn who are invading his homeland. He's so famous as a commander that midway through the fourth book a coalition of kingdoms and trading ports choose a delegate to go beg him to help save them from the Venn, who are threatening to take over the strait that separates the two continents of Sartorias Deles.* Literature/HonorHarrington by the end of her first book is on her way to LivingLegend status among the good officers of the Royal Manticoran Navy. At the end of the second book, she's achieved this for the planet of Grayson. Her growing fame to the civilian population of Manticore is mentioned in the next several books but explodes after she apparently returns from the dead after leading [[GreatEscape the largest prison break in human history]]. That event also cements her reputation among the Havenites as well.* In ''Literature/TheDinosaurLords'', Karyl Bogomirskiy is known throughout the continent as the best dinosaur commander there is, and his ShroudedInMyth past, as well as deeds of his adulthood, are already subjects of many a song and poem. It gets to the point that even the enemy dinosaur masters have moments of fanboy glee upon seeing him, and his own employers try to have him assassinated for fear of the following he's developing.* ''Literature/TheVaginaAssOfLuciferNiggerbastard'': Lucifer is regarded as a legend by those who read the Prophecy Of The Vagina Ass.** Griswalda does not, as he was more of a fairy godfather to Lucifer.** Turnus also does not, because he is the antagonist.[[/folder]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]* There's at least two examples in ''Series/OurMissBrooks'':** In "The Big Game", there's former high school football star "Snakehips", whose high score in the big game won him a job as a vice-president.** In "Safari O'Tool" there's Miss Davis's beau, a famous jungle explorer. [[spoiler:He's a fraud.]]* ''Series/BurnNotice:'' Michael Westen is an Urban Legend throughout Russia. Several groups consider the name Michael Westen to be a codename for a team of operatives. In another episode some Russian gangsters find out who's after them, "He's Michael Westen! There are only four of us!"* In ''Series/{{Chuck}}'' the title character was given the name Charles Carmichael to protect his identity. By the third season Carmichael was known throughout the spy community as an exceptionally dangerous spy.* In ''Series/{{Heroes}}'', Hiro Nakamura goes to medieval Japan to meet his hero, Takezo Kensei. Hiro then does everything he can to make Takezo live up to the legends about him, making him into the legend Hiro [[TimeTravelTenseTrouble willen haven onen learned]] about.* ''Series/DoctorWho:'' The Doctor. Some love him, some hate him but he's known throughout the universe. River mentions that he can make an army turn and run at the mere mention of his name and it has been shown that she was not exaggerating.* ''Series/{{Firefly}}:'' Jaaayne, the man they call Jaaayne. Jayne became an Accidental Hero for a village of mudders. Their worship was boundless. He kind of cherished his position, yet he did not abuse it.--> '''Jayne:''' Eggs! The LivingLegend needs eggs!* ''Series/BattlestarGalactica1978'': In the episode "The Living Legend", the Galactica encounters the battlestar Pegasus, whose captain is the Colonial military legend Commander Cain.* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Angelus and Spike are both legendary, and are known as two of the worst recorded vampires in history. Angelus became known for his sadistic nature and fondness for torture, whereas Spike became known for killing two slayers.* Parodied in ''TheRutles'' - the band are supposedly a living legend that will live long after other living legends have died.* ''WhiteCollar'':** Neal Caffrey is such a capable thief and ConMan that there's an entire unit on his ''[[InsistentTerminology alleged]]'' crimes in a college criminology class. When he shows up in person, the students and professor all squee, just a bit.** Mozzie became an UrbanLegend by accident. He was so smart that, as a kid, he hired a man to be the face of his book-making operation, the Dentist of Detroit. The operation got pushed out by TheMafia, but the Dentist lived on.* There are hints that the crew of the ''Enterprise'', and the ship herself, are considered this in ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries''. Kirk is certainly a notorious figure among the Klingons, as demonstrated in "The Trouble with Tribbles"; and Spock, despite being only half-Vulcan, is explicitly described in the episode "[[Recap/StarTrekS2E1AmokTime Amok Time]]" as "a legend among our people" by his mate T'Pring. This is very prominent in the movies as well, particularly ''Film/StarTrekIVTheVoyageHome'' and ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry''.** Kirk ''expected'' to end up with this reputation, and beat the ''[[UnwinnableTrainingSimulation Kobayashi Maru]]'' test by reprogramming it so the simulated Klingons would react to him this way.* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': ** Kang, Kor and Koloth, who were all introduced in Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries, are living legends in ''[[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine Deep Space Nine]]'', at least until the episodes that feature their deaths.** Dax is an odd example. The symbiote named Dax has been alive for centuries although each host has a normal Trill lifespan. As a result, Dax is revered throughout the Klingon Empire because Curzon Dax brought peace between the Klingons and the Federation. Although Curzon dies two years before the start of the show, Jadzia Dax is accorded the honour due the reputation as if she were still Curzon precisely because Dax is still alive even if the host has changed.* Andros and the other [[Series/PowerRangersInSpace Space Rangers]] are this, demonstrated by "[[Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy To the Tenth Power]]" ("You're Andros, the Red Ranger!"). Tommy Oliver and Jason Lee Scott are this at least among Rangers (since they kept their identities secret) in "[[Series/PowerRangersWildForce Forever]] [[ReunionShow R]][[MilestoneCelebration ed]]". Cole in particular goes fanboy over Jason.** By the time of ''Series/PowerRangersDinoThunder'', Tommy's reputation has surpassed ''Jason's'', due to having been four colors (green, white, red, ''and'' black), and having been leader of three teams of rangers. Both in and out-of-universe, he is considered the "Greatest Ranger Ever" and for good reason.* In an episode of ''Series/FallingSkies'', Col. Porter tells Tom Mason that he is quickly becoming one.* Most of the main cast of ''Series/PersonOfInterest'' are something of one. Harold and Root are still well known and looked up to in the hacker community(though of course these people don't know their real names), John is known as an UrbanLegend called 'The Man in the Suit' by the police, and Shaw is something of one for the ISA, with its operatives believing that no one could survive what she has.* John Sheridan in ''Series/BabylonFive'' is one, being not only the one human captain who won a battle against the Minbari but managed to ''blow up their flagship''. Humans consider him a hero, while the Minbari call him [[TheButcher Starkiller]].* ''Series/HoratioHornblower'': Some naval captains receive this treatment, and more often than not, it causes problems.** Captain "Dreadnought" Foster is ultra-famous and lots of people aboard the "Indy" admire him immensely, young Horatio included. Many sailors try to serve and indulge him, giving him blankets so that he can dry himself and alcohol to warm himself up. Pellew is reluctant to join in heaping praise on him and doesn't like that Horatio glorifies him. Hornblower's admiration for Foster is dashed when Foster insists on taking meat from a supply ship under Hornblower's command, which is still under quarantine for plague. Foster becomes a BrokenPedestal for him.** Captain Sawyer's one of Nelson's own and a national hero who distinguished himself at the Battle of Nile. He's also completely [[InsaneAdmiral insane]]. Because of his reputation, Horblower and especially Mr Bush realize much later than they otherwise would have that he's unable to command and try to act for the good of the ship, which means TheMutiny. In addition, if Sawyer hadn't been a Living Legend, the court-martial could have been a mere formality or the jury wouldn't have been so hard-ass on the lieutenants. But since they felt they had to preserve Sawyer's reputation, they were looking for a scapegoat.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Pro Wrestling]]* Wrestling/BrunoSammartino was called "The Living Legend." Larry Zbyszko appropriated the name as "The New Living Legend" during a feud.** Zbyszko would later attempt to sue Wrestling/ChrisJericho, who had also appropriated the nickname. This did not go well for him.* Aside from those who actually used the name word-for-word, there are a number of wrestlers who became legends in their own time, perhaps most notably Wrestling/ElSanto in Lucha Libre and Wrestler/{{Rikidozan}} in Japanese ''puroresu.'' After Sammartino, the American wrestler who most embodies the description might be Wrestling/LouThesz.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]* ''ForgottenRealms:'' Elminster, immortal Chosen of Mystra, goddess of magic. Becoming a LivingLegend is easier, of course, when you're ReallySevenHundredYearsOld* As appropriate for the setting, TabletopGame/BattleTech features numerous characters who were legends in their eras: Morgan Kell, Natasha Kerensky AKA The Black Widow, Victor Steiner-Davion, and Alexandre Kerensky were all legendary characters known for their skill (and in Natasha's case, being a sex icon) when they were alive.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Toys]]* In virtually every universe, Optimus Prime and Megatron are ''the'' [[LivingLegend living legends]]. There are sometimes others--Overlord, Arcee, Starscream, Grimlock--but they're more often notorious. Only Optimus and Megatron are universally respected [=and/or=] feared.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]* ''[[VideoGame/FatalFury Fatal Fury's]]'' [[{{Eagleland}} Terry]] [[GratuitousEnglish Bogard]] is well known on the streets of South Town, where he achieved his status by defeating Geese Howard. He went on to make a name for himself in the rest of the world, by facing even tougher opponents such as [[NobleDemon Wolfgang]] [[BloodKnight Krauser]], [[EnfantTerrible the Jin Twins]], and Kain. Which has earned him such distinctions as: [[RedBaron "The Legendary Lone Wolf"]] and [[BloodKnight "Hungry Wolf Bogard".]]* Snake from VideoGame/MetalGearSolid, although he doesn't think himself as one.** Also in the Metal Gear Series, there is "The Boss" the Legendary Soldier that definitely won World War 2, "Big Boss" the Legendary Mercenary who ended up establishing the general political atmosphere of the Cold War Era, and Solid Snake's own title was the "Legendary Hero" for defeating countless rogue terrorist cells among others. When they were still alive, utmost respect, fear, and admiration is giving to them until they were succeeded by the next Living Legend.* Dante in ''Franchise/DevilMayCry'' is known as the Legendary Devil Hunter starting some time after the original game. He takes after his father, Sparda, who was known as the Legendary Dark Knight in his glory days.* By the end of any of the ''VideoGame/{{Fallout}}'' games, the hero will have altered the face of whatever wasteland he/she happens to inhabit, for better or for worse.* Many of the Bhaalspawn of ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' toil in anonymity, unaware of their divine parentage. Sarevok and the PC are among the few who truly stand out.* The many incarnations of ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'''s the Nameless One have had and deserved every kind of reputation.* ''VideoGame/HalfLife:'' The Free Man, Gordon Freeman. Started a revolution in ''VideoGame/HalfLife2'' just by showing up.* Many characters of the ''StarWars'' video games have reputations.** ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': Malik, Bastila, the PC. Revan at first seems to be the regular dead sort of legend... [[spoiler: and then you find out ''you'' are Revan]].** ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicII'': The Exile, hero of the Mandalorian Wars.** In the MMO SpiritualSequel, ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'', the player character for most classes can become this. As you progress through the game, more and more {{NPC}}s express awe at meeting you. This is particularly noticeable with the Republic Trooper, who for most of the game is the commanding officer of an already-legendary Spacial Forces squad.* ''VideoGame/StarCraft'' has a number of war heroes, most (in)famously Jim Raynor, one of the few to be known by all three races.* ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'': The hero of the first game was only really known in the one very small town. Of the second, much more widely known and thus deserving of the title Living Legend.* In ''VideoGame/PokemonBlack2AndWhite2'', Sabrina (the former Saffron City Gym Leader from the original ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue'') has started an acting career and has become quite a celebrity in Unova because of it. A lot of people at [=PokeStar=] Studios admire her, and a guy at the PWT calls her "Queen Sabrina". * ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'':** The [[SuperSoldier Spartan-IIs]] as a whole can be considered this (the few who are still alive, anyways); the ''VideoGame/HaloWars'' manual even describes them as "A walking legend". In particular, series protagonist Master Chief John-117 is almost unanimously regarded as humanity's greatest soldier.** Arbiter Thel 'Vadam is regarded as this from ''VideoGame/Halo2'' onward, due to being the Elites' greatest hero during the Great Schism; in the post-war era, his popularity leads to him becoming his species's most prominent leader.* Each ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}'' game introduces a Hero who becomes very famous. Or infamous.* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoViceCity:'' Tommy Vercetti was sent to Vice City because, as "The Harwood Butcher", he was too hot for Liberty City.* In ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersiaTheTwoThrones'', the Prince returns to his home and becomes beloved by the people as a liberating hero.* ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'':** ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI:'' Altaïr was famous among the Assassins for being a prodigy, although he let that reputation go to his head, making him respected by all, but liked by few. After [[BreakTheHaughty the events of his game]], he's earned the enmity of everyone involved in the Crusades, and also [[TheAtoner the loyalty of every Assassin]] outside of their citadel. His legacy extends even to Assassins in the modern day, who hold him in high regard for rewriting the rules of the order and implimenting many changes to their equipment and training methoods.** Ezio Auditore likewise earns the love of the Assassins and the fear of the Templars, though he's anonymous to the general public.* ''Franchise/MassEffect:'' Commander Shepard starts the game as somewhat famous, enough to warrant the Council having taken interest in them for several years for possible Spectre candidacy, as well as earn themselves a rather over-eager LoonyFan. Depending on your [[MultipleChoicePast choices at the start of the game]], Shepard can also be hailed as "[[YouShallNotPass The Hero of Elysium]]" or feared as "[[TheButcher The Butcher of Torfan]]". By the end of the first game, s/he is ridiculously famous after saving the galaxy. In the second game, it's mentioned that during the two year interim while they were being resurrected by Cerberus, most worlds erected memorial gardens dedicated to them and with the Colonist background, their image now adorns the colonial seal of their homeworld, while a BrokenBase has formed over those who feel joy and betrayed by their return from the dead. The epilogue of the third game has it revealed that [[spoiler: Shepard is remembered and venerated far into the future as "The Shepard", although the precise details of their legend [[ShroudedInMyth have been lost to time]]]].** Those who serve with Shepard tend to become legends as well. Some even start this way, such as;** Urdnot Wrex, who killed a Thresher Maw on foot, was the youngest war leader ever and one of the rare, powerful Krogan battle masters and a mercenary with centuries of experience even before teaming up with Shepard and killing a Reaper.** Samara is a Justicar of the Asari, basically a living Avatar of Law.** After the events of the first game, Garrus Vakarian goes to Omega and takes on the persona of Archangel. That is to say, he went to Space Gotham and became Space Franchise/{{Batman}}.* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX:'' Yuna starts out known as the daughter of the last summoner to defeat Sin. She's famous as the one to permanently defeat it [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2 after that]].** Auron is sort of an example since he is considered a legendary guardian. "Sort of", since [[spoiler:he isn't technically "living".]]* VideoGame/DukeNukem [[LegendaryInTheSequel is famous as of]] ''VideoGame/DukeNukemForever''.* As a group, the [[SaintsRow Third Street Saints]], in the third game.** The Boss, in particular, is incredibly famous. So much so that, by the fourth game, s/he becomes President of the United States.* By the end of their respective games, the Warden in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' and the Champion in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' are internationally famous, in a quasi-medieval society that can't use magic for fast communications. That's impressive just for its difficulty.** Additionally there are Paragons, also known as living Ancestors, who are this to the dwarves.* After you've played a few missions in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'', {{NPC}}s start recognizing you and calling you by name. A passing civilian will say "Nice costume, (your name here)!" or an opponent will say "Cheezit, it's (your name here)!" when you approach.* In ''VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption'' we get [[BadassGrandpa Landon Ricketts]].-->''I was the fastest in my time. I must've been - I'm the only one left.''** Made more evident in the Undead Overrun game of why he has earned this title. There are three areas that can never be taken over by the undead. Two are heavily walled with an army inside and the third one is just him in a wide open area keeping the town zombie free single-handedly.* In ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', the player character becomes one once he/she is revealed to be the last Dragonborn.* Athos from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemElibe'' is specifically referred to as a Living Legend in-game.* [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Mario]] in any of the RPG spin offs will always be marveled at by most of the population due to his previous achievements (defeating Bowser, saving the princess, can jump really high, etc.)* By the end of ''VideoGame/StarcraftIILegacyOfTheVoid'', Artanis is known as the Protoss who united all branches of his race including the [[spoiler: Tal'darim]], defeated [[spoiler: Amon]] and led the reclamation of Aiur. To make it clear how renowned he is, he is the single member of his species to be referred to with 'En Taro' ('In the name of', an epithet given only to saviors of the Protoss such as Adun, Tassadar and [[spoiler: Zeratul]]) while still alive.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]* ''Webcomic/GirlGenius:''** [[GentlemanAdventurer Othar Trygvassen]], '''GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER''' is well known.** Baron Klaus Wulfenbach also has a reputation, somewhat more negative.** Agatha Heterodyne, Gilgamesh Wulfenbach, and Tarvek Sturmvoraus are all rapidly earning reputations.*** By the time Agatha get to Paris, two and a half years after she first becomes famous, there is a [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150529#.Vu8OHOKLTIU Heterodyne hat]], an [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150601#.Vu8OMeKLTIU opera]] based on her and Gil's romance, ''[[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150603#.Vu8OcOKLTIU "Naughty Agatha Steam Pantalettes - in seven scandalous colours!"]]'', and [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20150603#.Vu8OcOKLTIU multiple volumes]] of [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20151026#.Vu8PVeKLTIU multiple series]] of romance novels/erotica about her - of the two series mentioned, one is on Volume 12 and the other on Volume 14.** The Heterodyne Boys were [[WhiteSheep beloved]], in no small part because their family was ''[[TheFamilyThatSlaysTogether not]]''.** As "[[RedBaron Ol' Man Death]]" himself said, explaining the excess of attention he [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20100524 still receives]] from [[SuperSoldier Jägerkin]] -- "This old hat has become the stuff of ''legend''."* ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance:'' Torg earned a reputation in the Dimension of Lame during "That Which Redeems".* The rogue vampire Seth in ''Webcomic/{{Sorcery 101}}'' cultivates this kind of reputation, including stories that he EscapedFromHell and became the only known DaywalkingVampire out of personal awesomeness. [[spoiler:A lot of it is a smokescreen to throw off the many people who want him dead: he spreads rumours about himself, stole the name and reputation of a much older vampire, and owes his sun immunity to a protective amulet.]][[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]* ''WebVideo/DoctorHorriblesSingAlongBlog:'' Country Mourns Whatshername. Both the Doctor and Captain Hammer are widely known, with squeeing fans. Likewise the Evil League of Evil, and maybe other heroes.* Spectre from ''Franchise/{{Noob}}'' is explicitly stated to have reached that status with his first avatar.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Avatar Aang became a living legend after defeating Firelor...uh...[[InsistentTerminology Phoenix King]] Ozai.* In ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', Many characters are living legends.** Much of the cast (that is still alive) from the original series ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' are living legends, most notably Zuko, who became famous for his help in founding the United Republics, and Toph, who became famous for inventing metalbending and had many statues constructed in her honor. Bolin, one of the main characters, will usually also react as if he is standing in front of a legend. A less notable example is Katara, who despite being the wife of Avatar Aang, seemingly didn't get the same fame as the rest of the original cast; however in "The Spirit of Competition" Korra mentions Katara while healing Bolin, suggesting that most people at least know who she is.** The entire Beifong family can be considered living legends to a degree, notably Suyin, who founded the city of Zao Fu, and Lin, who is the chief of police in Republic City.** Korra herself also becomes a living legend, as the name of the series suggests. By season 4 she is widely adored by the public to the point of a park being renamed in her honor and a statue of her posing also being constructed. Of course she is also a living legend by default because she is the Avatar.* By the sequel ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce'', [[WesternAnimation/{{Ben 10}} Ben Tennyson]] has achieved this status amongst aliens for saving the universe multiple times. And he continues doing more as the story goes one. It reaches a point where, in Ultimate Alien, he actually convinces outnumbering Forever Knight to stop a murdering spree by delivering to their leader a [[BadassBoast speech]] that resume it all :--->"Maybe you forgotten something: I'm Ben Tennyson, wielder of the most powerful weapon in the universe. I stopped the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Highbreed]] [[AlienInvasion invasion]], I defeated [[EvilOverlord Vilgax]] in hand-to-hand combat and I've beaten the [[KnightTemplar Forever Knights]] more times that I can count. Here's what's going to happen: you're going to release these prisoners, you're going to crawl back to whatever hole you came from and you're going to stop hunting down aliens because if you don't, I promise, you'll regret it for the rest of your ''very'' short lives."* WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom became one among ghosts after defeating [[EvilOverlord Pariah Dark]].* ''WesternAnimation/AaahhRealMonsters'': All the monsters know who Ickis' Dad is, even before Slickis visits the class. They even have biographies of him in the school library, and he's won numerous awards. Apparently, he's the source of [[NoodleIncident at least one urban legend about the Bermuda Triangle]], [[TheUnreveal though Ickis cuts his father off before Slickis can tell that story again.]]* Tron is one to the programs of the Grid in ''[[TronUprising TRON: Uprising]]'', even though many think he's probably dead.* WesternAnimation/KimPossible. Even though she doesn't get that much glory, everyone knows who she is, and most people appreciate what she does. * ''WesternAnimation/TheBotsMaster'': In episode "[=ZZ=] Come Home", Ziv Zulander's sister used the expression "living legend" to describe him.* In the ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode ''[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E24EquestriaGames Equestria Games]]'', Spike is seen as this by the crystal ponies for the part he played in [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS3E2TheCrystalEmpirePart2 saving the Crystal Empire]].[[/folder]]

[[folder: Real Life ]]* While many try to exemplify this trope, Creator/SalvadorDali is one of the few artists to use it. [[DeadArtistsAreBetter Many artists become popular only after their death]], but Dalí lived to see his work appreciated extensively and even a museum erected in his honour. Even outside of the art world, he was a well-known personality and socialite in his time, sure to be recognized wherever he went (although his iconic appearance probably helped with that).* Most of the marshals who survived UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars became this in France, especially under the July Monarchy, as Louis-Philippe wanted to appropriate the Napoleonic legacy. They were known as ''illustres épées'', and some of them (Soult, Mortier and Gérard) became Prime Ministers and were very popular among the general public, although they had trouble asserting their authority in governments mostly made up of professional orators.* To the women's gymnastics fans of the world -- and its athletes -- Oksana Alexandrovna Chusovitina is this. While it is these days not unusual for an athlete to compete for around a decade, or even longer -- see Beth Tweddle, Catalina Ponor, etc. for proof -- ''nobody'' has been around as long as "Mama Chuso". Her first international elite competition was in ''1989''. She has since gone to six Olympic Games, the first in 1992, and qualified for her seventh (read that again: ''seventh'') in 2015. And her performance hasn't gone downhill whatsoever[[labelnote:*]]She has fallen in the rankings somewhat simply due to the constant increase in difficulty, but she is still doing the same skills she did in the '90s, almost as well as she did them then[[/labelnote]]; she won silver on the vault at the 2011 world championships and made the Olympic vault final in London. At ''37''. In a sport where women's careers have roughly the lifespan of a gnat and tend to be over by the time the gymnast hits 20, she is not just extraordinary but in fact in violation of all known laws of physics. To put this in perspective, when she made her international debut, most of her current competition had not yet been ''born''. She could literally say that she's been doing this since her opponents were in diapers.* While teaching at Berkeley in the 1960s, folklorist Richard Dorson collected dozens of legends about a nebulous acid dealer called "Owsley." These stories had Owsley popping up in exceedingly unusual places to dispense LSD, perhaps most audaciously a county jail where, dressed as a priest, he handed off an entire Bible of blotter acid to the beleaguered "heads" (drug users) therein. Further research verified that all these stories were in fact based on the exploits of Owsley Stanley, an occasional sound technician for TheGratefulDead and the grandson of a Kentucky senator. [[/folder]]